Dr. Jennifer McGraw Aguirre joined VCA Bakersfield Animal Hospital in June 1998. She has a special love for cats, and commitment to their care, which was largely inspired by her work at Volunteers for Inter-Valley Animals, a no-kill shelter. While working there, Dr. Aguirre helped adopt out many cats and even spent two months living at the facility.

"My love for animals, especially cats, made me want to become a veterinarian," she says. "The most satisfying part of my job is spending time with the animals."

Dr. Aguirre grew up in Lompoc, CA., and attended the University of Colorado at Boulder, where she earned her bachelor's degree in molecular, cellular, and developmental biology with a minor in biochemistry. She received her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Colorado State University's College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.

Dr. Aguirre is a member of the American Animal Hospital Association, the American Veterinary Medical Association, and the Kern County Medical Association. Her professional interests include internal medicine and surgery.

Dr. Aguirre also has four children. Together, the family cares for three pets: one cat (Mimzy) and two dogs (BabyGirl and Puppy). "My children named the dogs, obviously," she says. In her free time, Dr. Aguirre enjoys reading, sewing, camping, all her children's activities, and going to church.